DONALD ROSS BUREAU PLAT

Lot 624 of July’s Fine Sale is an exceptional 19th century bureau plat attributed to the distinguished British furniture maker, Donald Ross (1830-1916).

The fine bureau features ‘trellis and dot’ inlay or ‘Ross mosaic’, which was considered characteristic of Ross’ firm’s production at 13 Denmark Square, Soho, in the late 19th century. This design, as well as the gilded brass mounts and Sèvres style porcelain plaque, demonstrates the inspiration Ross took from renowned French Louis XVI furniture makers, including Jean-Henri Reisener. The reference to this era, considered to be the pinnacle of French design, gives the bureau additional importance and a sense of grandeur.

Donald Ross’ specialist imitation furniture flourished during the eclectic fashion for revivals in the 19th century. He exhibited at the famous Great Exhibition of 1851 and supposedly sold a suite of furniture with similar characteristics to Queen Victoria in 1928, exemplifying the level of quality with which his work was regarded. The bureau is stamped ‘Edwards & Roberts’, one of the popular London-based retailers Ross sold through.